Surf-A-Palooza: Jan 10-17

Wow. Larry Moore, aka Flame, is back in the trenches shooting surf photos, a little less than a week after doctors removed a brain tumor! Welcome back Flame!

On a similiarly scary note, Carlos Burle, noted Brazilian big wave charger (and lover of acai), broke his back surfing at Jaws last week. Videographer Larry Haynes moved his ski into position and drove Burle to safety. Big kudos to Haynes, and God speed to Burle during his recovery. Special note: Thanks to Shawn Alladio for her insights into this accident. Check out surflifeforwomen.com.

My good buddy Justin Krumb over at Surfhistory.com is claiming “epic” Swamis footage on the Surfhistory.com website. Check out the “Clip of the Month” if you want to see Swarmies in all her glory.

Quiksilver Event News:The “Eddie”, Quiksilver’s big wave bonanza, was tentatively set to be run today (Fri Jan 10), but increasing onshore wind forced contest director George Downing to pull the plug. Downing remains optimistic regarding running the event before the Feb 28 deadline. El Nino is definitely stirring, so we’re all holding on. From the event press release: The “Eddie” gathers the most skilled and daring big-wave surfers from around the world for this invitation-only event. Edward Ryan Aikau was a Hawaiian surfer, lifeguard and legend that dedicated his life to the ocean and ocean safety. Tragically, after saving countless lives guarding Waimea Bay, Eddie lost his own to the ocean at the age of 32 in 1978 during a voyage on a commemorative Polynesian vessel en-route from Hawaii to Tahiti. Tradition, the rarity of the event, and the great spirit of a legendary waterman give the contest a special energy not found anywhere else in the world of sports.

Where: Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu, Hawai’i

When: Holding period from December 5, 2002, to February 28, 2003

Event Updates: Media is invited to find resources and images at www.quiksilver.com/eddiepress.

“The Makaha Masters”: That title has a certain panache. The 2003 Quiksilver Masters World Surfing Championship will be held in late January at Makaha on the West side of Oahu. Those scheduled to attend include Tom Curren, Martin Potter, Brad Gerlach, Barton Lynch, Damien Hardman. The list of legends and heroes is endless. Here’s hoping they get plenty of swell. How epic would it be if the Makaha bowl was working on a giant west swell?!

Worth a Good Look Sea: Surfrider is pimping a new TV show, “CALIFORNIA’S GOLDEN COAST”, on PBS. The show takes you on a coastal tour, and highlights environmental issues along the way. “It gives the public a chance to see some hidden gems along the coast, as well as giving them glimpses into areas, like the Channel Islands, that they would not be able to see otherwise,” said Chris Evans, Executive Director of the Surfrider Foundation.